By: Rev. Dr. Jeffrey T. Jo
Most bible scholars would agree that the epistle of Philippians is the most “intimate” letter the apostle Paul wrote.
It was a letter addressed not only to brothers in the Lord but to REAL FRIENDS (yes you are right Paul also had a share of pain with false friends) & partners both in life & ministry. Paul cherished the faith & fellowship of the Philippians believers to the point that he is willing to be ‘set ablaze’ so as to encouraged them to ‘work out your salvation with fear & trembling for IT IS GOD who works in you to will & to act according to His good purpose”(v12b-13).
Then he commanded them to be glad & rejoice with him!
REAL FRIENDS…
* Rejoices with us in all God’s gracious blessings upon our lives. They look behind our “blessings” & see the beauty of His faithfulness & rejoices with us.
* Does not rejoice when we fall but will be there to pick you up & help you start all over again(Micah 7:8,Jude 22-23). The bible even commanded us “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls & let not your heart be glad when he stumbles”(Proverbs 24:17).
* Will always find ways to encourage you, much more to bring you to a closer understanding of who God is! (Acts 1:1)
Envy, malicious thoughts,jealousy,bitterness,judgmental spirit,pride,arrogance & the like are friendship-destroyers. May God have mercy on us to lead us to repent of such things in our hearts & may we be good & godly friends to the people around us. May they see Christ in us & acknowledge that indeed we are “friends” of Christ.
I remembered you in prayer today.
